Coordinating robotic apparatus deliveries

ABSTRACT

A method and system for automatically supplying parts for an assembly line is provided. The method includes generating and executing an action plan specifying movements associated with a robotic apparatus associated with the assembly line, items required for the assembly line, and a vehicle associated with providing the items for the robotic apparatus. The vehicle is directed to a location comprising the items and a first item is selected and retrieved upon arriving at the location. A measured weight of the first item is compared to a predetermined maximum weight threshold for delivery by the vehicle and a resulting delivery process with respect to the vehicle, first item, and robotic apparatus is executed. A notification indicating details associated with the delivery process is transmitted to the robotic apparatus.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority to Ser.No. 16/030,040 filed Jul. 9, 2018 which is a continuation applicationclaiming priority to Ser. No. 15/081,241 filed Mar. 25, 2016 now U.S.Pat. No. 10,078,330 issued Sep. 18, 2018, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a method for supplying partsto a robotic apparatus and in particular to a method and associatedsystem for coordinating vehicles for supplying parts to a roboticapparatus on an assembly line.

BACKGROUND

Supplying components for manufacturing typically includes an inaccurateprocess with little flexibility. Coordinating component suppliestypically involves an unreliable process. Controlling and directingvarious supply means with respect to apparatuses in need of additionalsupplies may include a complicated process that may be time consumingand require a large amount of resources. Accordingly, there exists aneed in the art to overcome at least some of the deficiencies andlimitations described herein above.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a An automated assembly linedelivery method comprising: generating, by a processor of an embeddedcomputing device, an action plan specifying movements associated with arobotic apparatus associated with an assembly line, items required forthe assembly line, and a vehicle associated with providing the items forthe robotic apparatus; executing, by the processor, the action plan;directing, by the processor in response to a command from a user, thevehicle to a location comprising the items such that the vehicleinitiates motion and navigates in a specified direction towards thelocation; selecting, by the processor via the vehicle upon arriving atthe location, a first item of the items; retrieving, by the processorvia the vehicle, the first item; determining, by the processor based ona feedback signal generated by the vehicle in response to theretrieving, a measured weight of the first item; comparing, by theprocessor, the measured weight to a predetermined maximum weightthreshold for delivery by the vehicle; executing, by the processor basedon results of the comparing, a delivery process with respect to thevehicle, the first item, and the robotic apparatus; and transmitting, bythe processor to the robotic apparatus, a notification indicatingdetails associated with the delivery process.

A second aspect of the invention provides a computer program product,comprising a computer readable hardware storage device storing acomputer readable program code, the computer readable program codecomprising an algorithm that when executed by a processor of an embeddedcomputing device implements an automated assembly line delivery method,the method comprising: generating, by the processor, an action planspecifying movements associated with a robotic apparatus associated withan assembly line, items required for the assembly line, and a vehicleassociated with providing the items for the robotic apparatus;executing, by the processor, the action plan; directing, by theprocessor in response to a command from a user, the vehicle to alocation comprising the items such that the vehicle initiates motion andnavigates in a specified direction towards the location; selecting, bythe processor via the vehicle upon arriving at the location, a firstitem of the items; retrieving, by the processor via the vehicle, thefirst item; determining, by the processor based on a feedback signalgenerated by the vehicle in response to the retrieving, a measuredweight of the first item; comparing, by the processor, the measuredweight to a predetermined maximum weight threshold for delivery by thevehicle; executing, by the processor based on results of the comparing,a delivery process with respect to the vehicle, the first item, and therobotic apparatus; and transmitting, by the processor to the roboticapparatus, a notification indicating details associated with thedelivery process.

A third aspect of the invention provides a An embedded computer devicecomprising a processor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, thememory unit comprising instructions that when executed by the processorexecutes an automated assembly line delivery method comprising:generating, by the processor, an action plan specifying movementsassociated with a robotic apparatus associated with an assembly line,items required for the assembly line, and a vehicle associated withproviding the items for the robotic apparatus; executing, by theprocessor, the action plan; directing, by the processor in response to acommand from a user, the vehicle to a location comprising the items suchthat the vehicle initiates motion and navigates in a specified directiontowards the location; selecting, by the processor via the vehicle uponarriving at the location, a first item of the items; retrieving, by theprocessor via the vehicle, the first item; determining, by the processorbased on a feedback signal generated by the vehicle in response to theretrieving, a measured weight of the first item; comparing, by theprocessor, the measured weight to a predetermined maximum weightthreshold for delivery by the vehicle; executing, by the processor basedon results of the comparing, a delivery process with respect to thevehicle, the first item, and the robotic apparatus; and transmitting, bythe processor to the robotic apparatus, a notification indicatingdetails associated with the delivery process.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method andassociated system capable of supplying components for manufacturing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system coordinating vehicles for supplying items torobotic apparatuses on an assembly line, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a factory comprising an assembly line partsstructure, robotic apparatuses, and an assembly line structure, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an assembly line system enabled by the system of FIG.1 for coordinating vehicles for supplying items to robotic apparatuseson an assembly line, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 for coordinating vehicles for supplying items torobotic apparatuses on an assembly line, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer system used by the system of FIG. 1 forenabling a process for coordinating vehicles for supplying items torobotic apparatuses on an assembly line, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for coordinating vehicles 114 a . . .114 n for supplying items 117 a . . . 117 n to robotic apparatuses 120 a. . . 120 n on an assembly line, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. System 100 enables a process for coordinatingassembly line item management by:

1. Coordinating vehicles 114 a . . . 114 n with robotic apparatuses 120a . . . 120 n in an assembly shop to enable required items 117 a . . .117 n (e.g., parts, tools, etc.) to be available in such a way thatrobotic arm movement is minimized during robotic assembly of componentson an assembly line.2. Identifying required items (e.g., of items 117 a . . . 117 n) withrespect to robotic apparatuses 120 a . . . 120 n in the assembly shop.In response, one of vehicles 114 a . . . 114 n retrieves the identifieditems from associated storage locations and delivers the items in alocation adjacent to a robotic arm of an associated one of roboticapparatuses 120 a . . . 120 n. If the item is too heavy for a singlerobotic apparatus, then two or more robotic apparatuses will retrievethe identified item from associated storage locations and delivers theitem to a location adjacent to the robotic are.3. Dynamically identifying a position and travel route for vehicles 114a . . . 114 n (carrying required items to the robotic apparatuses) basedthe following factors:

-   -   a. A maximum number of robotic apparatuses capable of being        supported.    -   b. An assembly location.    -   c. A proactively calculated robotic arm movement path to prevent        a collision with a vehicle.

System 100 of FIG. 1 includes a control apparatus 14 in communicationwith vehicles 114 a . . . 114 n (comprising items 117 a . . . 117 n suchas, inter alia, assembly line parts, tools, etc.) and roboticapparatuses 120 a . . . 120 n via a wireless network 118. Vehicles 114 a. . . 114 n (i.e., control hardware 119 a . . . 119 n internal tovehicles 114 a . . . 114 n) and control apparatus 14 each may comprisean embedded computer. An embedded computer is defined herein as aremotely portable dedicated computer comprising a combination ofcomputer hardware and software (fixed in capability or programmable)specifically designed for executing a specialized function. Programmableembedded computers may comprise specialized programming interfaces.Additionally, vehicles 114 a . . . 114 n (i.e., control hardware 119 a .. . 119 n internal to vehicles 114 a . . . 114 n vehicles) and controlapparatus 14 may each comprise a specialized hardware device comprisingspecialized (non-generic) hardware and circuitry (i.e., specializeddiscrete non-generic analog, digital, and logic based circuitry) forexecuting a process described with respect to FIGS. 1-3. The specializeddiscrete non-generic analog, digital, and logic based circuitry mayinclude proprietary specially designed components (e.g., a specializedintegrated circuit designed for only implementing an automated processfor coordinating vehicles 114 a . . . 114 n for supplying items 117 a .. . 117 n to robotic apparatuses 120 a . . . 120 n on an assembly line).Monitoring/control apparatus 14 includes a memory system 8, software 17,and control hardware 19 (all sensors and associated control hardware forenabling software 17 to execute a process for coordinating vehicles 114a . . . 114 n for supplying items 117 a . . . 117 n to roboticapparatuses 120 a . . . 120 n on an assembly line). Control hardware 119a . . . 119 n may include sensors. Sensors may include, inter alia, GPSsensors, video recording devices, optical sensors, weight sensors, etc.The memory system 8 may include a single memory system. Alternatively,the memory system may include a plurality of memory systems. Each ofvehicles 114 a . . . 114 n may comprise any vehicle that does notrequire a human operator to be located within the vehicles 114 a . . .114 n such as, inter alia, a remote controlled vehicle (e.g., anaircraft flown by a pilot at a ground control station), an autonomouslycontrolled vehicle (e.g., an aircraft controlled based on pre-programmedflight plans and may include an intelligence algorithm that would enablevehicles 114 a . . . 114 n to know it's location and self-determine a anitem delivery route), a pre-programmed vehicle, etc. Alternatively,vehicles 114 a . . . 114 n may comprise any type of vehicle thatincludes a human operator located within the vehicle (e.g., an aircraft,an automobile, a boat or ship, a train, etc.). Vehicles 114 a . . . 114n may include, inter alia, an aerial vehicle, a land based vehicle, amarine (water) based vehicle, etc.

System 100 of FIG. 1 enables each of robotic apparatuses 120 a . . . 120n to estimate its action steps within a next “t” seconds and report theestimate to control apparatus. An action step is defined herein as arobotic arm displacement from an x coordinate to a y coordinate in orderto fetch a z object at a location 1. The action steps are provided as aninput to a scheduling engine. Additionally, a current location, power,and speed of vehicles 114 a . . . 114 n are provided as an input to thescheduling engine. The scheduling engine is enabled to optimize adelivery plan (using the aforementioned inputs) for reducing a utilityfactor to optimize assembly by reducing robotic-arm movements. Based onthe utility factor, vehicles 114 a . . . 114 n coordinate with eachother as well as with the robotic apparatuses 120 a . . . 120 n.

FIG. 2 illustrates a factory 215 comprising an assembly line partsstructure 219, robotic apparatuses 215 a . . . 215 n, and an assemblyline structure 223 (e.g., comprising assembly items on a conveyer belt),in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Vehicle 214comprises control hardware 214 a including sensors as described withrespect to FIG. 1, supra. Additionally, vehicle 214 may be retrievingitems 217 from assembly line parts structure 219 for coordinatingvehicle 214 for supplying items 217 . . . 117 n to robotic apparatuses215 a . . . 215 n for structure assembly on an assembly line. Each ofrobotic apparatuses 215 a . . . 215 n comprises any type of roboticstructure for use on a factory assembly line such as a robotic armmechanism.

FIG. 3 illustrates an assembly line system 300 enabled by system 100 ofFIG. 1 for coordinating vehicles for supplying items to roboticapparatuses on an assembly line, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. System 300 comprises a plurality of vehicles 314 a .. . 314 n carrying (in combination) a platform (or tray) 321 retainingmultiple assembly line parts or tools 335. Vehicles 314 a . . . 314 ncollect the assembly line parts or tools 335 dynamically in response toa predicted request from any of robotic apparatuses 320 a . . . 320 n.Platform 321 is carried by vehicles 314 a . . . 314 n towards a requiredassembly point (e.g., an automobile 340 for assembly). The assembly lineparts or tools 335 are delivered near any of robotic apparatuses 320 a .. . 320 n such that with minimum movement, a robotic apparatus maycollect a required one of assembly line parts or tools 335. Acentralized control apparatus will proactively identify a required itemand the required item will be delivered to an associated one of roboticapparatuses 320 a . . . 320 n. The following process is enabled bysystem 300 of FIG. 3:

1. System 300 enables a plan for minimizing robotic arm movement andrecommends a vehicle to support a robotic apparatus.2. System 300 coordinates with a vehicle and robotic apparatus toinstruct the vehicle to initiate motion and provide items to the roboticapparatus. If the item is too heavy for a single vehicle, a request istransmitted to multiple vehicles to secure and deliver the item to therobotic apparatus3. The vehicle(s) communicates with the robotic apparatus to verify thatrobotic arms do not become an obstacle to the delivery vehicle(s).4. The robotic apparatus retrieves and delivers the item.

FIG. 4 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled bysystem 100 of FIG. 1 for coordinating vehicles for supplying items torobotic apparatuses on an assembly line, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. Each of the steps in the algorithm of FIG. 4may be enabled and executed in any order by a computer processor(s) orany type of specialized hardware executing computer code. In step 400,an action plan is generated and executed. The action plan specifiesmovements associated with a robotic apparatus associated with anassembly line, items required for the assembly line, and a vehicleassociated with providing the items for the robotic apparatus.Generating the action plan may include generating an estimated timeframeassociated with movement of a robotic arm of the robotic apparatus withrespect to a movement distance from a first coordinate to a secondcoordinate to fetch any items from the vehicle providing the items forthe robotic apparatus.

In step 402, the vehicle is directed to a location storing the itemssuch that the vehicle initiates motion and navigates in a specifieddirection towards the location. In step 404, an item is selected andretrieved via the vehicle. In step 410, a measured weight of the item isdetermined (via e.g., a weight sensor within the vehicle). In step 412,the measured weight is compared to a predetermined maximum weightthreshold for delivery by the vehicle. In step 414, a delivery processwith respect to the vehicle, the item, and the robotic apparatus isexecuted. If results of the comparison of step 412 indicate that themeasured weight is less than the predetermined maximum weight threshold,then the delivery process includes: transmitting a command instructingthe vehicle to secure the item, directing the vehicle comprising theitem secured, to an assembly location of the robotic apparatus, andreleasing the item to the robotic apparatus. If results of thecomparison of step 412 indicate that the measured weight exceeds thepredetermined maximum weight threshold, then the delivery processincludes: requesting an additional vehicle(s) for said executing thedelivery process, detecting the additional vehicle arriving at thelocation comprising the items, transmitting a command instructing thevehicle and the additional vehicle to secure (in combination) the item,directing the vehicle and the additional vehicle (comprising the itemsecured) to an assembly location of the robotic apparatus, releasing theitem to the robotic apparatus. In step 416, a notification indicatingdetails associated with the delivery process is transmitted to therobotic apparatus. The notification may indicate: a specified receivingposition for the robotic apparatus during delivery of the item and/or aspecified time period for delivery of the item to the robotic apparatus.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer system 90 (e.g., control hardware 119 a .. . 119 n internal to vehicles 114 a . . . 114 n and control apparatus14) used by or comprised by the systems of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 forenabling a process for supplying items to robotic apparatuses on anassembly line, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combiningsoftware and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred toherein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.”

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing apparatus receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, device(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing device to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing device, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing device, and/or other devicesto function in a particular manner, such that the computer readablestorage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an articleof manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of thefunction/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing device, or other device tocause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable device or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable device, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The computer system 90 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a processor 91, aninput device 92 coupled to the processor 91, an output device 93 coupledto the processor 91, and memory devices 94 and 95 each coupled to theprocessor 91. The input device 92 may be, inter alia, a keyboard, amouse, a camera, a touchscreen, etc. The output device 93 may be, interalia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, aremovable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices 94 and 95may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, anoptical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc(DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM),etc. The memory device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer code97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithm of FIG. 4) for enabling aprocess for enabling a process for supplying items to roboticapparatuses on an assembly line. The processor 91 executes the computercode 97. The memory device 94 includes input data 96. The input data 96includes input required by the computer code 97. The output device 93displays output from the computer code 97. Either or both memory devices94 and 95 (or one or more additional memory devices such as read onlymemory device 96) may include algorithms (e.g., the algorithm of FIG. 4)and may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readablemedium or a program storage device) having a computer readable programcode embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, whereinthe computer readable program code includes the computer code 97.Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article ofmanufacture) of the computer system 90 may include the computer usablemedium (or the program storage device).

In some embodiments, rather than being stored and accessed from a harddrive, optical disc or other writeable, rewriteable, or removablehardware memory device 95, stored computer program code 84 (e.g.,including algorithm) may be stored on a static, nonremovable, read-onlystorage medium such as a Read-Only Memory (ROM) device 85, or may beaccessed by processor 91 directly from such a static, nonremovable,read-only medium 85. Similarly, in some embodiments, stored computerprogram code 97 may be stored as computer-readable firmware 85, or maybe accessed by processor 91 directly from such firmware 85, rather thanfrom a more dynamic or removable hardware data-storage device 95, suchas a hard drive or optical disc.

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could becreated, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced,etc. by a service supplier who offers to enable a process for supplyingitems to robotic apparatuses on an assembly line Thus, the presentinvention discloses a process for deploying, creating, integrating,hosting, maintaining, and/or integrating computing infrastructure,including integrating computer-readable code into the computer system90, wherein the code in combination with the computer system 90 iscapable of performing a method for enabling a process for enabling aprocess for supplying items to robotic apparatuses on an assembly line.In another embodiment, the invention provides a business method thatperforms the process steps of the invention on a subscription,advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service supplier, such as aSolution Integrator, could offer to enable a process for enabling aprocess for supplying items to robotic apparatuses on an assembly line.In this case, the service supplier can create, maintain, support, etc. acomputer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the inventionfor one or more customers. In return, the service supplier can receivepayment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreementand/or the service supplier can receive payment from the sale ofadvertising content to one or more third parties.

While FIG. 5 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configurationof hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, aswould be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilizedfor the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particularcomputer system 90 of FIG. 5. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memorydevices.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claimsare intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automated assembly line delivery methodcomprising: generating, by a processor of an embedded computing device,an action plan specifying movements associated with a robotic apparatusassociated with an assembly line, items required for said assembly line,and a vehicle associated with providing said items for said roboticapparatus, wherein said vehicle comprises a remotely or autonomouslycontrolled aerial vehicle configured to aerially provide said items forsaid robotic apparatus; directing, by said processor in response to acommand from a user and execution of said action plan, said vehicle to alocation comprising said items such that said vehicle initiates motionand navigates in a specified direction towards said location;determining, by said processor based on a feedback signal generated by aweight sensor of said vehicle in response to retrieving a first item ofsaid items, a measured weight of said first item; comparing, by saidprocessor, said measured weight to a predetermined maximum weightthreshold for delivery by said vehicle; and executing, by said processorbased on results of said comparing, a delivery process with respect tosaid vehicle, said first item, and said robotic apparatus, wherein saidexecuting said delivery process comprises generating a flight basedtravel route for said vehicle for travel from said location to saidrobotic apparatus, wherein said travel route is generated based on amaximum number of robotic apparatuses capable of being supported by saidvehicle and a calculated robotic arm movement path configured to preventa collision between said vehicle and said robotic apparatus such thatsaid robotic apparatus is determined to not be an obstacle to saidvehicle.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said results of saidcomparing indicate that said measured weight is less than saidpredetermined maximum weight threshold, and wherein said deliveryprocess comprises: transmitting, by said processor to said vehicle, acommand instructing said vehicle to secure said first item, wherein saidvehicle secures said first item in response to said command; directing,by said processor in response to said command, said vehicle comprisingsaid first item secured, to an assembly location of said roboticapparatus; and releasing, by said processor via said vehicle at saidassembly location, said item to said robotic apparatus.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said results of said comparing indicate that saidmeasured weight exceeds said predetermined maximum weight threshold, andwherein said delivery process comprises: requesting, by said processor,at least one additional vehicle for said executing said deliveryprocess; detecting, by said processor, said at least one additionalvehicle arriving at said location comprising said items; transmitting,by said processor to said vehicle, a command instructing said vehicleand said least one additional vehicle to secure said first item, whereinsaid vehicle and said least one additional vehicle secure, incombination, said first item in response to said command; directing, bysaid processor in response to said command, said vehicle and said atleast one additional vehicle comprising said first item secured, to anassembly location of said robotic apparatus; and releasing, by saidprocessor via said vehicle and said least one additional vehicle, saiditem to said robotic apparatus.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein saidnotification indicates a specified receiving position for said roboticapparatus during delivery of said first item.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein said notification indicates a specified time period for deliveryof said first item to said robotic apparatus.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein said generating said action plan comprises: generating anestimated timeframe associated with movement of a robotic arm of saidrobotic apparatus with respect to a movement distance from a firstcoordinate to a second coordinate to fetch any of said items from saidvehicle providing said items for said robotic apparatus.
 7. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: retrieving, by said processor, currentlocations, a current power, and a current speed of multiple vehiclesthat in combination with said vehicle are further associated withproviding said items for said robotic apparatus, and wherein said actionplan comprises said current locations, said current power, and saidcurrent speed of multiple vehicles.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: providing at least one support service for at least one ofcreating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and deployingcomputer-readable code in the control hardware, said code being executedby the computer processor to implement: said generating, said directing,said selecting, said determining, said comparing, and said executingsaid delivery process.
 9. A computer program product, comprising acomputer readable hardware storage device storing a computer readableprogram code, said computer readable program code comprising analgorithm that when executed by a processor of an embedded computingdevice implements an automated assembly line delivery method, saidmethod comprising: generating, by said processor, an action planspecifying movements associated with a robotic apparatus associated withan assembly line, items required for said assembly line, and a vehicleassociated with providing said items for said robotic apparatus, whereinsaid vehicle comprises a remotely or autonomously controlled aerialvehicle configured to aerially provide said items for said roboticapparatus; directing, by said processor in response to a command from auser and execution of said action plan, said vehicle to a locationcomprising said items such that said vehicle initiates motion andnavigates in a specified direction towards said location; determining,by said processor based on a feedback signal generated by a weightsensor of said vehicle in response to retrieving a first item of saiditems, a measured weight of said first item; comparing, by saidprocessor, said measured weight to a predetermined maximum weightthreshold for delivery by said vehicle; and executing, by said processorbased on results of said comparing, a delivery process with respect tosaid vehicle, said first item, and said robotic apparatus, wherein saidexecuting said delivery process comprises generating a flight basedtravel route for said vehicle for travel from said location to saidrobotic apparatus, wherein said travel route is generated based on amaximum number of robotic apparatuses capable of being supported by saidvehicle and a calculated robotic arm movement path configured to preventa collision between said vehicle and said robotic apparatus such thatsaid robotic apparatus is determined to not be an obstacle to saidvehicle.
 10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein saidresults of said comparing indicate that said measured weight is lessthan said predetermined maximum weight threshold, and wherein saiddelivery process comprises: transmitting, by said processor to saidvehicle, a command instructing said vehicle to secure said first item,wherein said vehicle secures said first item in response to saidcommand; directing, by said processor in response to said command, saidvehicle comprising said first item secured, to an assembly location ofsaid robotic apparatus; and releasing, by said processor via saidvehicle at said assembly location, said item to said robotic apparatus.11. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein said results ofsaid comparing indicate that said measured weight exceeds saidpredetermined maximum weight threshold, and wherein said deliveryprocess comprises: requesting, by said processor, at least oneadditional vehicle for said executing said delivery process; detecting,by said processor, said at least one additional vehicle arriving at saidlocation comprising said items; transmitting, by said processor to saidvehicle, a command instructing said vehicle and said least oneadditional vehicle to secure said first item, wherein said vehicle andsaid least one additional vehicle secure, in combination, said firstitem in response to said command; directing, by said processor inresponse to said command, said vehicle and said at least one additionalvehicle comprising said first item secured, to an assembly location ofsaid robotic apparatus; and releasing, by said processor via saidvehicle and said least one additional vehicle, said item to said roboticapparatus.
 12. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein saidnotification indicates a specified receiving position for said roboticapparatus during delivery of said first item.
 13. The computer programproduct of claim 9, wherein said notification indicates a specified timeperiod for delivery of said first item to said robotic apparatus. 14.The computer program product of claim 9, wherein said generating saidaction plan comprises: generating an estimated timeframe associated withmovement of a robotic arm of said robotic apparatus with respect to amovement distance from a first coordinate to a second coordinate tofetch any of said items from said vehicle providing said items for saidrobotic apparatus.
 15. The computer program product of claim 9, furthercomprising: retrieving, by said processor, current locations, a currentpower, and a current speed of multiple vehicles that in combination withsaid vehicle are further associated with providing said items for saidrobotic apparatus, and wherein said action plan comprises said currentlocations, said current power, and said current speed of multiplevehicles.
 16. An embedded computer device comprising a processor coupledto a computer-readable memory unit, said memory unit comprisinginstructions that when executed by the processor executes an automatedassembly line delivery method comprising: generating, by said processor,an action plan specifying movements associated with a robotic apparatusassociated with an assembly line, items required for said assembly line,and a vehicle associated with providing said items for said roboticapparatus, wherein said vehicle comprises a remotely or autonomouslycontrolled aerial vehicle configured to aerially provide said items forsaid robotic apparatus; directing, by said processor in response to acommand from a user and execution of said action plan, said vehicle to alocation comprising said items such that said vehicle initiates motionand navigates in a specified direction towards said location;determining, by said processor based on a feedback signal generated by aweight sensor of said vehicle in response to retrieving a first item ofsaid items, a measured weight of said first item; comparing, by saidprocessor, said measured weight to a predetermined maximum weightthreshold for delivery by said vehicle; and executing, by said processorbased on results of said comparing, a delivery process with respect tosaid vehicle, said first item, and said robotic apparatus, wherein saidexecuting said delivery process comprises generating a flight basedtravel route for said vehicle for travel from said location to saidrobotic apparatus, wherein said travel route is generated based on amaximum number of robotic apparatuses capable of being supported by saidvehicle and a calculated robotic arm movement path configured to preventa collision between said vehicle and said robotic apparatus such thatsaid robotic apparatus is determined to not be an obstacle to saidvehicle.
 17. The embedded computer device of claim 16, wherein saidresults of said comparing indicate that said measured weight is lessthan said predetermined maximum weight threshold, and wherein saiddelivery process comprises: transmitting, by said processor to saidvehicle, a command instructing said vehicle to secure said first item,wherein said vehicle secures said first item in response to saidcommand; directing, by said processor in response to said command, saidvehicle comprising said first item secured, to an assembly location ofsaid robotic apparatus; and releasing, by said processor via saidvehicle at said assembly location, said item to said robotic apparatus.18. The embedded computer device of claim 16, wherein said results ofsaid comparing indicate that said measured weight exceeds saidpredetermined maximum weight threshold, and wherein said deliveryprocess comprises: requesting, by said processor, at least oneadditional vehicle for said executing said delivery process; detecting,by said processor, said at least one additional vehicle arriving at saidlocation comprising said items; transmitting, by said processor to saidvehicle, a command instructing said vehicle and said least oneadditional vehicle to secure said first item, wherein said vehicle andsaid least one additional vehicle secure, in combination, said firstitem in response to said command; directing, by said processor inresponse to said command, said vehicle and said at least one additionalvehicle comprising said first item secured, to an assembly location ofsaid robotic apparatus; and releasing, by said processor via saidvehicle and said least one additional vehicle, said item to said roboticapparatus.
 19. The embedded computer device of claim 16, wherein saidnotification indicates a specified receiving position for said roboticapparatus during delivery of said first item.
 20. The embedded computerdevice of claim 16, wherein said notification indicates a specified timeperiod for delivery of said first item to said robotic apparatus.